Before delving into the similarities and differences of each country’s approach to teaching math, the article first discusses some of the cultural differences between the way teaching, as a profession, is viewed in Japan, the way teachers are trained to become teachers and how the Japanese school system differs from that of the United States. The article then focuses on several components that contribute to the ways math is taught, the role of homework and seatwork and how each are viewed, the materials teachers choose to use to teach their lessons and how they use them, the ultimate goal of each lesson and how the classroom set up varies from country to country. Each aspect is given its own section and focuses on the differences of each …show more content…
Japanese teachers do not create their lessons based upon a series of steps they intend to complete but by how they predict students will interpret the problem they present to them at every step. Japanese teachers do not tell their students to what to do or how to approach a problem. Instead, they place more emphasis on challenging the students to figure out all the possible ways that they could solve a problem and let them work through it themselves before discussing their findings as an entire class (Hiebert, et al., 2003). In this manner, the students are applying concepts that they have learned from previous lessons in order to come to a solution towards a problem that they have never seen before. Once they have done this, it is believed that they can provide evidence as to why a problem is correct. In short, it is the Japanese belief that students will not understand the underlying concept of a problem if they are not forced to figure it out by themselves. Even when they make mistakes, the Japanese believe it is in the students’ best interests to complete the problem and then try to make sense of why their reasoning led them to the wrong answer so that they will not make a similar mistake in the future (Hiebert, et al., 2003). The American teaching philosophy is vastly different from that of Japan’s teaching philosophy. Instead of allowing students to
Another country that is very different from the United States is Japan. Japan is known to be more advanced than America education wise. Many Japanese students are more advanced intellectually than Americans. Even though they are more advanced they still have cultural dilemmas. Classroom size is much different in America than it is in Japan. They are highly populated in Japan so they have much larger students in a classroom. It may take Japanese students a while to get used to the classroom size. “Students follow the school rules and the directions of teachers. In American schools,
This paper will demonstrate the pre-service teachers’ understanding of mathematical practices as part of the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics. It will address two specific standards for Mathematical Practices, describing the essence of both and providing a description of how teachers facilitate these practices and how students are engaged in the practices.
According to Kyoko Mori, what are the major differences between the Japanese and American educational systems? Summarize them.
Van de Walle, J, Karp, K. S. & Bay-Williams, J. M. (2015). Elementary and Middle School Mathematics Teaching Developmentally. (9th ed.). England: Pearson Education Limited.
Similarities and Differences Between Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird and Go Set A Watchman.
One complaint I have heard from numerous teachers in my school is that they must teach a simplified version of the subject matter to create a passable course for the largest number of students. Based on what I have read in the article, Asian teachers present information that is slightly too difficult so that their students have something to work for. This may seem like an insignificant detail, but I believe it highlights a vast cultural difference. Sometimes in the US we focus so much on wanting everyone to succeed that we make it too simple for them to do so. Everyone should have the opportunity to succeed, but that does not mean spoon-feeding people throughout their
For years, people have always felt that the Japanese school system was superior or more effective than that of the United States. Although some feel this way, others feel that the Japanese system is too strict and not flexible enough for those who may need extra help along the way. Through researching two different case studies, and also reading other materials, I have found many similarities along with many differences between the two, including teaching methods, overall emphases, and student involvement. Both countries have developed very effective and intricate systems of teaching, which compliment, and clash against one another. The Japanese system is not in all ways
Since both the United States and Japan have very contrasting styles of education, many different outcomes arise from each of these styles. For instance, since the educational system of Japan is so strict and structured, students are gradually chiseled into very responsible and disciplined individuals who are very skilled when it comes to things such as standardized tests; however, much is unseen about this transformational process to the American eye. In Kyoko Mori’s essay “School,” her firsthand experience of the Japanese educational system is shared. She states that “You can never question the authority of the teacher, whom you address simply as ‘sensei,’ literally, ‘one whose life comes first’… The teacher is like the biblical God, whom you cannot name” (Mori 136). When authority cannot be questioned and is to be treated like God, how are students expected to comprehend every detail taught by their instructor? If the students can’t quite grasp an idea, how are they supposed to completely master it without the aid of their so-called “godly” instructors? The Japanese answer to this solution is simple: “Memorization and repeated practice” (Mori 132). In Japan, students are drilled into the ground by constant memorization and repeated practice, and without the aid of their teachers, they have to claw their way up a mountain to acquire every single answer.
taken by Americans. But most of the jobs that some of the immigrants take are
Growing up, there are countless young boys, who have the dream of someday being a professional football or baseball player. Going outside and letting the imagination of being on the big stage and making the final pitch to win the World Series or the final Hail Mary throw to win the Super bowl. As a young kid, the dream of one day being the best and be paid to play a sport they grew up loving and playing. Although the sports of football and baseball are both very popular, there are a substantial amount of differences between
Firstly, these two educational systems differ in their approach to educating children. The American education system places a strong emphasis on the notion of individualism. “American teachers and parents view individual development and achievement as the most important reasons for early schooling.” (Hoffman 541). In many American schools, teachers are expected to assist students develop their critical thinking skills. For instance, when a teacher gives a lecture on photosynthesis, he or she will encourage his or her students to actively participate in class. The teacher takes charge and guides the course of the lecture. In this case, the teacher expects several students to come up with their own explanations and then voice their opinion to the entire class without relying on someone else. For the
The objective of this article critique is to review and evaluate several empirical studies which have examined mathematics perception cross-culturally. The main study that focuses on examining mathematics perception cross-culturally is a study that was done in 2004 by Dr. Yea-Ling Tsao. In this study, researchers proved that Taiwanese students consistently score higher in cross-national studies of achievement than American students. Several other studies were done that also support this theory. Therefore, the main purpose of this article critique is to evaluate Tsao’s study in order to properly assess both the validity of Tsao’s design and the inferences drawn from the study. This critique will also show that, while
Mathematics, like every creation of man, have evolved without really knowing how far you can get with them: the scope of the computer, physics, chemistry, algebra, all are evidence of this. Every aspect of our culture is based in some way or another in Mathematics: language, music, dance, art, sculpture, architecture, biology, daily life. All these areas of measurements and calculations are accurate. Even in nature, everything follows a precise pattern and a precise order: a flower, a shell, a butterfly, day and night, the seasons. All this makes mathematics essential for human life and they can not be limited only to a matter within the school curriculum; here lies the importance of teaching math in a pleasure, enjoyable and understandable way. Mathematics is an aid to the development of the child and should be seen as an aid to life and not as an obstacle in their lifes.
Maths is ubiquitous in our lives, but depending on the learning received as a child it could inspire or frighten. If a child has a negative experience in mathematics, that experience has the ability to affect his/her attitude toward mathematics as an adult. Solso (2009) explains that math has the ability to confuse, frighten, and frustrate learners of all ages; Math also has the ability to inspire, encourage and achieve. Almost all daily activities include some form of mathematical procedure, whether people are aware of it or not. Possessing a solid learning foundation for math is vital to ensure a lifelong understanding of math. This essay will discuss why it is crucial to develop in children the ability to tackle problems with initiative and confidence (Anghileri, 2006, p. 2) and why mathematics has changed from careful rehearsal of standard procedures to a focus on mathematical thinking and communication to prepare them for the world of tomorrow (Anghileri).
Teachers’ beliefs influenced different tasks such as: selecting and presenting learning activities, preparing students for new language and checking their understanding, monitoring students’ learning, giving feedback, among others (Richards & Lockhart, 1994). I agree completely with this perception, because it is something that I have noticed since this course started: in the videos of my classmates, in the classes of my teachers, and in my own classes.